Interviewing

Definition

Interviewing is the process of gathering information through direct interaction with individuals, usually by asking questions to elicit responses. This technique is crucial for obtaining firsthand accounts, opinions, and insights that enrich stories and broadcasts. It allows reporters to create a narrative that connects audiences to real-life experiences and opinions while also serving as a method for fact-finding and research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective interviewing requires preparation, including researching the subject and formulating relevant questions beforehand.
2. Interviews can take various forms, including formal interviews, informal chats, or on-the-spot comments during events.
3. Building rapport with interview subjects is essential to encourage openness and honesty in responses.
4. The style and tone of the interviewer can significantly impact the quality of the information gathered during the interview.
5. Interviewing often involves ethical considerations, such as obtaining consent and being transparent about how the information will be used.

Review Questions

• How does effective interviewing contribute to the process of researching and fact-finding in news reporting?
  • Effective interviewing plays a key role in researching and fact-finding by enabling reporters to gather firsthand accounts and perspectives directly from individuals involved in or affected by news events. By asking thoughtful questions, reporters can uncover details that may not be available through other sources. This direct interaction helps validate information and provides context that enriches the overall story.
• In what ways can anchors and presenters utilize interviews to enhance their news segments?
  • Anchors and presenters can utilize interviews to provide depth and personal insight into news stories, making them more relatable for viewers. By integrating interviews into their segments, they can showcase different viewpoints and allow audiences to hear directly from those impacted by the news. This technique not only humanizes the story but also adds credibility by bringing expert opinions or firsthand experiences into the broadcast.
• Evaluate the impact of interviewing on audience engagement in radio news broadcasting and its role in shaping public perception.
  • Interviewing significantly impacts audience engagement in radio news broadcasting by creating a personal connection between listeners and the subject matter. When audiences hear voices from real people sharing their experiences, it can evoke emotions and provoke thought. This dynamic shapes public perception by presenting stories in a relatable manner, influencing how issues are understood and discussed within society. Effective interviews can lead to increased listener loyalty as audiences seek authentic narratives that resonate with their own experiences.

Related terms

Questioning Techniques: Strategies used during an interview to elicit detailed responses, such as open-ended questions, closed questions, and follow-up questions.

Source Credibility: The trustworthiness and reliability of the information provided by interview subjects, which is vital for accurate reporting.

Active Listening: A communication technique that involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said during an interview.